(57) A method of streamlining and lowering the cost of operation of ion chromatography as well as improving detection limits is disclosed. The apparatus includes chromatographic separating means (10) through which a sample is eluted in an eluent solution including an electrolyte. The apparatus includes a sandwich suppressor (11) having a chromatography effluent compartment separated from a detector effluent compartment by an ion exchange membrane (17,32,34,36), forming a chromatography effluent flow channel and a detector effluent channel, respectively. Electrode means (42,44) are disposed in communication with both flow channels for passing an electric current transverse to the solution that is passing through them. The chromatography effluent flows through the chromatography effluent flow channel of the suppressor and through detector (12) which detects resolved ionic species therein. The effluent from the detector is then recycled through the detector effluent flow channel and forms a sump for electrolyte ions passing across the chromatography effluent as well as supplying the water for the electrolysis reaction generating acid (or base) for suppression.